How to properly sort waste?

TABLE OF CONTENTS
To sort or not to sort?
Fees
Types of waste and sorting methods
E-waste and other problematic and post-construction waste
Where to get waste containers?

The average Pole contributes to the creation of about 320 kg of waste per year. In many cities, segregation has been a common practice for a long time, so it will only be a completely new concept for some. Changes in the law are a result of our membership in the European Union, and the goal is to properly sort waste, which will allow for the recovery and recycling of the waste we produce. Compared to other EU countries, Poland is currently performing poorly. Until July 2013, about 1/3 of Poles were not covered by any waste disposal agreement, so the waste was either burned (which is very harmful) or taken to illegal landfills. With the introduction of the new law, everyone is now required to pay for waste disposal.waste collection, so illegal practices no longer make sense.

We need to learn recycling. From 2013 to 2020, we will be in a transitional period. By 2020 at the latest, we should recover 50% of secondary raw materials (paper, glass, metal, plastic) and 70% of construction and demolition materials. Modern sorting and incineration plants will be built to safely solve the problem of waste mountains.

 

The decision on the amount of the waste disposal fee is made by the municipality, which means that prices may, but do not have to increase. The municipality may apply a system of discounts or subsidies depending on the financial situation of the residents. The fee is paid directly to the municipality, there will be no individual contracts with companies. The vast majority of municipalities will charge rates based on the number of residents.

If someone declares that they are sorting their waste, but the waste collection company notices that they are not, they will have the right to increase the rate to the amount for mixed waste.

 

Did you like our scheme for sorting secondary raw materials? We encourage you to print it out and hang it near your waste segregation bins. It will definitely help with proper selection. Download the file in PDF or JPEG format:

• Waste segregation - container colors, types of waste and how to sort them - PDF file
• Waste segregation - container colors, types of waste and how to sort them - JPEG file

Please remember that all packaging that we throw away should be (if possible) crushed and free of food residues, at least rinsed with water. The frequency of waste collection is determined by the municipality in cooperation with the waste disposal company.

E-waste and other problematic and post-construction waste

Unfortunately, the law does not clearly state how the municipality should handle waste from renovations. Therefore, it is necessary to directly inquire with the municipality about the scope of services provided within the fees.

 

Originally, this was supposed to be the responsibility of property owners and managers, but after a wave of protests, a provision was added stating that waste containers can be provided by the waste collection company, and the cost should be included in the waste collection fees. The municipality is to decide which option to choose. Most municipalities have opted for the second option.

Next to large outdoor containers, it is necessary to also have smaller waste segregation bins for initial sorting in homes, offices, hotels, restaurants, etc., and to properly label them with segregation stickers. In places where waste carts are used, it is important to use colored garbage bags. Without them, it is impossible to properly sort waste at later stages.

 

Ryszard Kurek